Method and apparatus for preparing asparagus or the like



Avg. 2 1, 1,945. AL RWTHOMPSCSN ET Al. 383228 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPAR'ING` ASVPARAGUS OR THE LIKE ALBERT A), THMPSo/y 'fe/@HARD D, FOX

A. vR. THOMPSON ET AL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING ASPARAGUS OR THE LIKE 9 Sheets-Sheet I 2 Filed Jan. 13, 1941 WN Nh.

hdl: S $31 m mw mm mw QQ ALBEN/2 WOM/50N mos/ARD o, fox

Aug.21, 1945` R. THoMPsoN ET AL 2,383,228

METHOD AND PPKARATUS FOR PREPARING ASPARAGUS 0R THE LIKE Filed Jan. 13, 1941 9 sheets-sheet s M ,T w U| I .maw mw. www.

Aug. 21, 1945; A. R. THOMPSON ET AL j 2,333,228

METHOD ANDVAPPARATUS `FIOR PREPARING ASPARGUS` 0R THE LIKE v a/u F' IEJEL- ALBERT, A?. THOMAS-0N fwn/ARO Fox A Aug. 2l, 1945. L A R. THOMPSON jE'rAL' 2,383,228

METHOD AND' APPARATUS-FOR PREPARING ASPARAGUS OR THE LIKE Filed Jan. 1 3',4 1941 9 sheets-'sheet s FII-:1912? 4A|.1g.421, 1945. A; R. THOMPSON ETAL 2,333,228

METHOD lAND APPARATS FOR PREPARING `A sP'ARAmJs V0R THE LIKE Filed Jan. 13 1941l iff-1E 1.4- 3mm [53 AUBERT l? Thom/150A' -R/CHARD D. Fox /59 4 Y '24 3&4!

Aug.` 2l, 1945i. A. R. THOMPSON ErAx.. 2,383,228

` METHOD A ND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING ASPARAQUS v0R THE LIKE 'l Filed Jan. 13. 194i 9 Sheets-'Sheet 8 Aug. 21,1945. A R. THOMPSON ET AL 2,333,228

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOB. PREPARING ASPARAGUS OR THE LIKE Filed Jan. 13, 1941 9 sheetssheet 9 Fig. illustrates a `lines 1-1 of Fig. 6.

Patented Aug. 21, 1945 Y METHOD AND ArPARA'rUsFoR PREPARING r l AsPARAGUs on THE LIKE `Albert R. Thompson,

Los Gatos, and Richard D.

Fox, San Jose, Calif., assignors to Food Ma- San Jose, Calif., a corpol chinery Corporation,

ration of Delaware Application January `13, 19411. serial Ne. 3747,26

ss'claims. (01.146-81) r l .The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preparing vegetables such as asparagus or the like previous to canning orother processing of the same. l An object of the present invention is to `provide a method `of sizing asparagus to separate `the same into various grades.` p n Another object is to provide a method of sizing and cutting asparagus toseparate the sameinto various grades l of predetermined thickness and length. l l A Another object is to provide an improved apparatus for cutting and sizing asparagus .or the like in an efiicient and speedy manner.V

Another ob-iect is to provide' anapparatus for sizingasparagus to separate the same into various grades and for cutting each grade into sections of predetermined length.

l `Another object is to provide an apparatus for cutting asparagus and for separating the same `into various grades incident to `the `cutting thereof. l -M' l Another object is to provide an` apparatus for 'separating asparagus of diiferent thickness into various grades andfor cutting the asparagus into predetermined length Iincident to the sizing Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,` in whichf n Figs.' f1 and 2 are side views of thernachineof the present invention. Fig. 2 is lthecontinuation of Fig. 1 at the right hand side thereof.

Fig. 3 is a plan View of a portion of the machine shown inFig. l illustrating the feed' table and a portion of the inspection table thereof. a

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section of the feed table takenalong lines 6 4 of Fig.` 3, certain portions being broken away. n

l transverse section of Fis. `3 taken `along lines 5--5 thereof.

Fig, 6 isa planA view of the inspection table of the machine together with portions of the feed t'alole andthe cutting and sizing mechanism thereof, `certain portions being broken away.

, Fig.. '7 is a longitudinal section taken along Fig. 8 is a plan view of the sizing and cutting mechanism, and a portion of the inspection table `of the machine. i

Fig. 9 Vis a transverse section taken along lines 9.-;:9 of Fig. 8.

10 is a perspective View of a portion of the sizing` and cutting mechanism. i

a Fig. 11 is alongitudinal section of Athe cutting `and Asizing mechanism of .the machine taken along Vlines lln-Il of Fig. 8.

Fig. 12 is a ltransverse section of Figs tagen taken along lines l-.-l

along lines |2I2jthereof, certainportions being brokenaxvay.v Fig. 13 is an enlarged View' of .a portion of the sizing and cutting mechanism taken along lines |3|3ofFig. 11. Fig. 14 is a transverse section `.taken along lines M-Ill of Fig. 11, certainportionsbeingbroken away. n l Fig. 15 is a perspective viewof one oi the turn chutes and its associated `parts employed? in the machine of `the prscnt invention. n

Fig. 16 is a longitudinal Asecticnof 4a volition of the cutting and sizing mechanism of 'the ma? chine, ltaken along line IB-IE of Fig". '12 and illustrat-ing primarily the ,constrnction and arrangement of the,` gradingfknives and their associated parts.` "l l a l' l Fig. `17` is a section through a portion of the machine taken alonglinesi'l-H of Fig. .12,

Fig. 18 is a transversesectionofthe portion of the machine shown.inFig`; "16, theview Vloeing lthereof.` .i Fig. 19 isa section taken'along lines IST-19 ofFig. 13. QQ. a Fig. 20 is a section .taken alongnllines 2ML-211 of Fig. 13,`il1u-strating`.a pairyof cutting `knives and their. lassociated mechanismen ladjustmg the same. Fig. .21 is `a transverse section through one set `of `discharge rolls employed inthe machine," the sectionbeing taken along lines 2I-2l of Figsl. a Fig.` 22` is a `section talgen along ,lines 22-122 o`f1iig.16.` f .d y n a In general, the machine of the present lnven- `tion (see Figs.` 1 and 2) consistsgof a feed tablew., an inspection tableB, and acutting and sizing mechanism C'. 4`

IThe fresh asparagus delivered from the field is iirst cleaned anda-thereafter deposited upon the feedV table A1 cf the machine. whicn functions to separate the individual spears of` theyasparagus, to position'the sarneparallel with respect to each lother l'andto advancethe spears toward the inspection table BQ Atthe Sametime, the ower ends of the spearspf asparagus are roughly aligned and placedinto a predetermined 4"position with respect to themachine. Thereupon ,the asparagus is a transferred from the feed tame A` to ,the inspection table where the `same is inspected and undesired or imperfect spears; are manually removed; This inspection table functionsfto advance the asparagus from the feed table `to the cutting and sizing mechanism of the machine and performs an `additional or'final alignme `t of lthe flower ends ofthe spears of asparagus with respect to the machine. Y a y.

The aligned and properly positioned spears are subsequently delivered to the cutting and sizing mechanism C of the machine, Wherethey rality of supporting legs 2|,

are sized according to their thickness into several grades and cut `into desired lengths as required'for different packs such as long asparagus, tips or center cuts.

Same.

Referring now to the specific construction "ofA the machine of the present invention,` and especially to Figures 1 to 9, 11, l2vandv14, desig-` nates the frame structure of the machine, which comprises frame units 2, 3 and 4 ofi the feed table- A, inspection table B,. and cutting and sizing mechanism C', respectively. The frame unit 2 of the feed table A of the machine consists of longitudinal frame members 6, 1, transverse frame members 8, 9, front legs and rear legs 2.

Theframe unit 3 of the. inspection table B comprises longitudinal members I6, I1, transverseframe members |8,'. and supporting legs I9 (see Figs. i1, 2, 6 and '1). The longitudinal frame members |6 and I1 of the frame unit 3 of the inspection table B are secured at their front ends tothe frame unit 2 of the feedtable A and form an integral structure with the same (see Fig. 1). y

The frame unit` 4 of the cutting and sizing mechanism C of the machine comprises a plu- 22, 23 and 2'4 between Which longitudinal frame members 26, 21,

and 33 are mounted.

Rotatably mountedwithin bearings 36 and 31 positioned within the horizontal frame members 6 and 1 of the frame unit 2 are shafts 38 provided with feed rolls 39 fixed to the same for rotation therewith. 'I'he 39 extend transversely ofy the frame unit 2 of the feed table of the machine `and the rolls are closely spaced. with respect to each other so as to'form acontinuous 28,` .29, 38 and transverseframe members 3|,4 32

feed table over which the .4o shaftsss and feed tous l asparagus is advanced toward the inspection tableB in a manner as will be described later on. Each of the transverse shafts 38 is provided with asprocket wheel 4| keyed thereto for rotation therewith, while retaining collars 42 and 43 are employed for maintaining the shafts 38 in proper position withinthe frame structure 2 of the machine. ,The feed roll shafts 38 and feed rolls 39 are positioned parallel with'respect toeach other, so that vegetable receiving valleys adjacentrolls 39 (see Fig. 4).

are formed betweeny The feed rolls 39 are of diiferent lengths so as to. form a feed table of gradually reducingwidth from the charge end 44 Ithereof toward the discharge end 46 of the same. r

Rotatably mounted within bearings 41 and 48 of the horizontal framemembers 6 and 1 at the discharge end .46 of theA feed table A is a shaft 49 provided with transfer rolls 5| and 52 fixed thereto. Keyed to .the shaft 49 isfunther a sprocket wheel 45,3 (see Fig. 5), while retaining collars 54 and 56 are employed for maintaining the shaft 49 in proper position within the frame structure I of the machine. r y V Fixed to the legs l2 ofthe framer structure 2 are bearings 66 and 61, and rotatably mounted therein-and extending transversely across the frame structure I is with sprocket wheels a drive shaft 68 'provided 69,18 and 1|, which are 'keyed thereto for rotation therewith. Positioned.

`is a supporting bracket y12 `upon whichan electric motor 13`is mounted. The electric motor 13 is provided with a gear reduction mechanism 14 comprising a drive shaft 16 provided with `a sprocket Wheel 11 keyed thereto. Trained around the sprocket wheels 11 and 69 is an endless sprocket chain 18 so that upon operation of the motor 13 shaft 68 and sprocket wheels 69, T8 4and 1| will be rotated inthe direction as indicated in Fig. l.

Trained around the 4 sprocket wheels 4|, sprocketwheel 53 and 18 is an endless sprocket chain 19 (see Fig. 1) so that upon rotation of the shaft 68 and sprocket wheel 18 the feed rolls 39 and transferv rolls 51| and 52 are rotated in a common` direction indicated by arrows in. Fig. 4. Secured to the horizontal frame member lil b-y means 'of cap screws 8| isa cover plate 82 which also functions as a guide plate adapted to retainthe sprocket chain 19 in proper engagef ment with the sprocket wheels 4| and 53.

Positioned intermediate the feed rolls r394 and thef horizontal frame member 1 isl a gauge bar.

86 which isclosely spaced with respect to the free ends of the feed rolls 39 and extends in vertical direction a `considerable distance above the feed bed formed by the feed rolls ofthe machine.

free ends with brackets 81 and 88 slidably supported upon supporting plates 89'and 9| secured to the horizontal frame member 1 in any'convenient manner. The brackets 81 and 88 are provided with guide slots.V 92 and 93 which are angularly disposed with respect` to the frame member 1. The guide slot 92.is `arranged -at a greater angle with respect tothe frame member 1 than the guide slot 93 (see Fig. 3). Positioned `within'the guide slots 92 and 93- and threadedly taining'the brackets 81 and 88 in proper position with respect to the guide plates 89 and 9|.. The cap screws 94 are provided with a shoulder91 adjacent the supporting plates 89 and 9| (see Fig. 5) so that the cap screws may be `securely attached to the, supporting plates 89 and 9| withouttightening the brackets 81 and 88 against the same, whereby a free sliding engagement of the brackets 81'and 88 with the supporting plates 89 and 9| is maintained and the, brackets '81 and 88 are properlyguided by the cap screws 94 during their movement relative to the same.

Rotatably mounted.v within a bearing |8| secured to the horizontal frame member 1 is a shaft |82 provided with a crank disc |83 and crankpin |84. Secured to the gauge bar 8 6 intermediate the brackets 81 and 88 by means-.of

`a ange |86 is a pivot pin |81 and pivotally ysecured to the same and the crank pin |84 is a `pitman |88. Retaining nuts |89 and threadedly secured to the pivot pin |81 and crank pin |84,y respectively,y are'provided for maintaining the pitman |88 in proper engagement with the pin |81 and vcrank pin |84.

endless sprocket chain 3 (see Fig. 1)v so that ,upon rotation of the shaft 68 shaft |82, crank disc |83 and crank pin |84 are operated to cause reciprocation of the pitman 88 and gauge bar 86. v Incident to reciprocation of the gauge bar 86 in longitudinal directions with respectto the frame structure 2 and feed rolls 39 of the ma- 'Ihe gauge 'bar 86 is providedatits chine, a transverse reciprocation of the bar 86 will be effected due to the camming action beg tween the cap screws '94 and the slots 92 and 93 From the above it` will thereforebe seen that upon operation of the motor 13 the feed rolls 39 and transfer rolls 5| and 52 are rotated in a common direction, i. fe. in the direction of the arrows shown in Fig. 4, and the gauge bar 86 is reciprocated in longitudinal and transverse directions, so that when a bunch of asparagus is placed upon the chargeend of the feed table A withthe spears thereof substantially parallel to the feed rolls `39 and the ower ends facing the gauge bar 86, the individual spears of the asparagus are separated "and drop into the valley portions formed between the feed rolls 39 so that they are positioned parallel with respect to the feed `rolls and advanced in such position fromthe charge end 44 toward the discharge end 46 of the feedtable A.

The conveyor formed by the feed rolls 39 is `preferably of thewell-known type in which the rolls are so proportioned, spaced and driven that the asparagus is caused to advance' only under the urge of additional asparagus delivered to the rolls. `In other words, the arrangement is such that the tractive effect ofthe rolls on a single stalk of asparagus resting in the valley between them is insui'licient to automatically advance the i.

stalk into the next valley. but the weight or crowding action of a second stalk delivered into the valley so increases the traction on the first stalk as to cause it to be displaced or crowded over the forwardroll of the valley into the next succeeding valley. By this arrangement the Irate of advance of the asparagus across the rolls may be closelyregulated by regulation of the rate at wheel |36 (see Fig. v12). Retaining collars' |31 and |38 xed to the shaft` |3| adjacent the idler -sprocketwheel |,36are provided for maintaining the latter in proper position upon said shaft.

Secured to the rear legs 24 of the frame unit 4 of the'machine are bearings |5I within which a transverse shaft |52 is rotatably mounted. This `shaft carries a sprocket wheel |53 keyed thereto (see Figs. 2 and 11) `While idler sprocket wheels |54 and |56 are fixed upo-nshafts |51 and |58`rotatab1y mounted within bearings |59 and |6|.respectively. `The bearings |59 are secured tothe `lower portion of the rear legs 24 while the bearings I6| are secured to the lower portion of the legs 22 (see Fig. 2).` i

Trained around the sprocket wheels |26, |53, |54 and |56 is an endless nat-top metal chain |62, the upper run |62a of which is adapted to slide along the upper surface of the table I2| with the bearing portions |63 of the links ofthe chain traveling within the guide slot|22 of the table.

I2I so that the chain is properly guided during itsA travel along the upper surface ofthe table I2 I. The `edges ofthe guide Slot |22 of the table |2| may be preferably re-enforced With flat iron strips |64 (see Fig. 6) so as to reduce the wear between thetable |2| and the flat top chain |62. Trained around thepulleys |21, |33 and |28, |34 are endless rubber conveyor belts |66 and |61, respectively. 'Ihe upper runs of the conveyor belts |66 and |61 are adapted to travel along the upper surfaceof vthe tab1ej|2| which functions to support and maintain the same in proper horizontal position.

i The upper run of the at top chain; |62 intermediateftheitable |2| and sprocket wheel |53 is` 22,23 and 24of the frame unit 4 of themachine which it` is delivered to the rolls, and `also the stalks are caused to be discharged from the conveyor one `at a time, whereupon they are `transferred by means of the transfer rolls 5| and 52 from the feed table A to the inspection tableB.

During the travel` of the spears of asparagus from the charge end toward the discharge 'end of l `of the same parallel with respect to the longitudinal frame member I6. Rotatably` mounted within bearings |23 secured to the legs l2 of the frame structure 2 of the feed table A of the machine is a` transverse shaft |24 which is `provided with a sprocket wheel |26 and pulleys |21 and I 28, which are` keyed to the shaft for rotation therewith. rotatably mounted within bearings |32 secured to the legs`2| of the frame unit 4 of the'ycutting and sizing mechanism C. Keyed to the shaft |3I In a similar manner a shaft I3I is are belt pulleys |33 and |34 and freely rotatable upon the shaft I3I is further anidler sprocket and spaced guide bars |93 and |94 secured to the angle iron |92 in any convenient manner. These spacedguide bars |93 and |94 are so positioned with respect to the flat top chain ||a`2thatl the link bearings |63 thereof extend intothe guide channel |91 formed by the guide bars |93 and |94 (see Fig.,1,2) so that the chain is properly supported andguided during its travel along the guide member |9|. Therefore, not only the'section of the upper run of the at topv chain |62 supported by the table |2| but also the portion thereof supported by the guide member I 9| is maintained in proper horizontal position. Keyed upon the shaft |52 is further a sprocket wheel |98 `(see Figs. 2, 1l and 14) which is operatively connected by means of an endless sprocket".chain` |99 with a sprocket wheel 29| keyed upon a drive shaft 292 of a gear reduction mechanism 203 of an electric motor 204 mounted upon the transverse frame members 3| at the rear endof the machine. i 1

From the above it Will therefore be seen that upon operation of the motor 294 and `rotation of theshaft |52 the fiat top chain |62 and conveyor belts` |66 and |61 willibe operated to effect l. travel threof in directions as indicated by arrows inFigs. 2 and`6. i A l Positioned intermediate the longitudinal frame members I6 and |1 and the `table |2I`are transverse supporting plates 2|| `and 2I2. The plate 2I| is adjustablysecured to the frame` members I6 and |1 by means of cap screws 2I3 extending through transverse slots 2I4 (see Fig. 6) which permit anbadjustmexit of the plate inlongitudinal directions with respect to the frame structure 3. Rotatably mounted within a verticalbearing 2|6 secured to the plate 2|.|' is a vertical shaft 2`|1 which carries a pulley, 2| 8` keyedrtheret'o. The plate 2.| 2 isadjustably secured tothe frame members I6 and |1 by means of cap screws 22| 'extending through longitudinal slots 2,22 in the plate 2 l2. This plate is further provided with a vertical bearing 223 (see Fig, 9) within which a rotatable vertical shaft 224 is mounted.4 Keyed to the upper end lof the shaft 224` is a pulley 226 and secured to thelower end of the shaft 224 and fixed forrotation therewith is a bevel gear 221 which intermeshes with a bevel gear 228 .keyed to a shaft 229 rotatably mounted within bearings 23|and 232 secured. to the plate'2|2.. One of the ends of the shaft 229 extends through the horizontal member |1 and carries a sprocket wheel 233. This sprocket wheel 233 is adjustably mounted on the shaft 229 but is fixed for rotation therewith; The pulleys 2|8 and 226 (see Figs.. 6 and 49) are positioned'adjacent the table |2| and extend above the conveyor belt 61 in closely spaced relation thereto. Trainedv around the pulleys 2l8 and 226 is a gauge beltV 236, the run. 231 of which lis positioned' at right angles with respect to the conveyor belt |61and extends longitudinally thereof in close relationship therewith.

Rotatably mounted on a forward extension 238 of the frame unit 4 of sizing and cutting mechanism C by means of bearings 239 is a rotatable transverse shaft 24| provided with sprocket wheels 242 and 243 which are keyed thereto for spikev chain 258 travels parallel to the flat top chain |62 andissupported by the chain guide.'4 2.62 in spaced relation and proper alignment therewith.

Due to the fact that the sprocket wheely |26 is xedupon a shaft |24, to which the pulleys |21 and |28 are keyed, the travel ofthe at top chain |62 will'cause rotation of shaft |24; pulleys rotation therewith. Trained around the sprocket wheels 233 and 243 is an endless sprocketl chain 244 adapted to transfer rotation of the shaft 24| to shaft 229 previously referred to. Secured'to the legs 24 at the rear end 0f the machine are bear'- ings 25| within which a transverse shaft 252 is rotatably mounted. Keyed tothis shaft are a sprocket'wheel 253 and a gear 254 which inter-T meshes with a gear 256 keyed to shaft |52. Trained around the sprocket wheels 242 and 253 is yan endless spike chain 258 provided with parallel rows of spikes '259 and 26| (see Fig. 10). The spike rchain 258 is positioned above the flat top chain |62 in alignment therewith in such a manner that the spikes 259 and 26| are closely spaced with respect to the flat top chain |62 and do not touch the same. The spacing between the links of the chains 258 and |62 is somewhat larger than thel maximum diameter of the spears of asparagus handled by the machine.

An upper chain guide 262 having a plurality of guide brackets 262a and 26219 is positioned intermediate the sprocket wheels 242 and 253 and secured to the legs 2| and 24 of the machine inany convenient manner. This chain guide Vis adapted to guide the lower run 263 of the spike chain in a proper manner with respect to the flat top chain |62. The guide surface of the upper chain guide 262 is positioned below the pitch diameter of the sprocket wheel 242 and is bentupwardly at 264 (see Fig. 11) for purposes to be described later on.

From the above description of the construction of the inspection table B of the machine and a portion of the sizing and cutting mechanism thereof, it will be apparent that upon operation of the motor 204` shafts |52 and 252 will be rotated in the directions as indicated in Fig. 11, causing travel of the flat top chain |62 and spike chain258 at the same speed in the directions as indicated by the arrows in Figs. 6, 7 and 11. The upper run |62a of the flat top chain |62 travels along the top surface yof the table |2| and the chain guide |9l, while the lowerrun 263 of the |21 and |23, thereby effecting a travelcftne conveyor belts |66` and |61 in theV directions as indicated by arrows in Fig. 6. The size" of vthe sprocket Wheels |26 and |53 andthe pulleys |21 and 28 is such that the at top chain |62 and conveyor belts |66 and |61 travel at the same rateV of speed. Furthermore, the gears 254 and 256 and sprocket wheels 253 and 242 are so Idi. mensioned that thespike chain 258 travels at the same rate of speed as the at top'chain |62;l The sprocket Wheels 243, 233 and the`bevel gears 228 and 22-1` are of such dimensions as to cause travel .of thegauge belt 236, which is adjace'ntthe conveyor belt |61, at the same rate'of speed as the flat top chain |62 and conveyor belts |66 and |61.

. The direction of travel of the gauge belt 236 lis indicated by arrows in Fig. 6.

It has been previously mentioned herein that the gauge belt pulleys 2I8 and 226 arerotatably supported by adjustable plates 2|| and 2|2. vThe adjustment ofthe plate 2|| and pulley 2|8 vin longitudinal directions with respect to the frame Upon transfer of the individual spears of asparagus from the feed table A to the inspection table B the same are'placed upon the flat' top chain |62 and conveyor belts |66 and |61 in properly spaced relation and are advanced thereby past the gaugebelt 236 toward the cutting and sizing mechanism C of the machine. During the travel of the asparagus through this section the same is inspected by an attendant of the machine who removes defective or undesired spears` which are not suitable for canning-purposes. While the asparagus passes the gauge belt 236` the flower ends of the spears are engaged by the run 231 of said belt (see Fig; 6), which, due to its slightly angular position with respect tov the vcnveyor belt |61, shifts the spears a slight distance in the direction of their longitudinal axes, i. e., transversely to the conveyor belts |66 and .|61fand the flat top chain |62, so as to cause a nal alignment of the flower ends of the spears with respectto each other. In other words, the gauge'` belt 236 performs a final alignment of the flower ends ofA the asparagus, lwhich have been previously roughly aligned with respect to each other by the action of the gauge bar 86 of the feed table A. During this nal alignment the parallel position of the spears with respect to each other is not disturbed.

Thereupon the properly positioned and aligned asparagus is presented by the flat top chain |62 andvconveyor belts |66 and |61 to the spike chain 258, the spikes of which penetrate the'butt ends ofthe spears, so that the same are impaled upon said spikes and rmlyheld in their aligned position withrespect to the flat top chain 62 during subsequent travel of the asparagus past the cut'- ting and sizing mechanism of the machine.v

The outerv peripheral portions of the sectiono'f the spike chain 258 engaged by the sprocket Wheel 242move at algreaterspeed than thelower run 263 of saidfchain, and for this `reason it is desirable to impale the spears of asparagus upon the spikes 259 and 26| at a point substantially vertically below the transverse shaft 24|, so that no relative movement of the spears with respect to theat top chain |62 `is effected during impalcment thereof by said spikes. To accomplish this h the transverse shaft 24| and thesprocket wheel 242 are mounted in such relation with respect to the `fiat top chainl 62 that the spears of asparagus may `enter `the throat 213 formed between the chain |62.and the spike chain 258 without being engaged by the spikes 259 and 26| until they are substantially vertically below the transverse shaft 24| ata. point at which any relative movement between the spike chain 258 and nat top chain |62 has ceased or become entirely negligible. arranging these parts in the manner as above described the aligned position of the asparagus.

is not disturbed and the same is properly impaled bythe spikes of the chain 258 without damage. Of. course, it is apparent` that under these conditions the sprocket wheel 242 will not position the spike chain `258 into the nally desiredspaced relationship with respect tothe flat top chain |62` plurality of opposing pairs of bearing `members 282 and'283, respectively. 'I'he frame member 28| (see Figs.` 8, 12 and `14) is positioned intermediate the longitudinal frame `members 21 of the frame portion 4 of the machine and extends parallel tothesame. `'I'his frame member 28| is connectedto legs 284 which form a part of the frame structure 4. The legs 284 (see Figs. 12 and 14) are welded to the lower transverse frame members 32` and 33 so that the same'arerigidly securedin position within the portion 4 Lof the frame structure of the machine.` i

Each bearing' member 282 is provided with bearings 29| and 292 and a bearing 293 (see Figs. 11, 16 and` 20). alllof` the'same constructiony and comprise bearings294, 296 and 291. Rotatably mounted within the bearings 29|, 294 and 292, 296 of opposing bearing members 282 and 283 are transverse shafts 298` and 299,;respec'tively. Theefree ends of each .of the transverse shafts 298 extend through the bearings 294 'of the bearingmembers 283 `andxcarry a gear 30|` and a sprocket wheel 302 which are both xed tothe shafts 298-for rotation therewith. `The free ends of each of the transverse shafts 299 which extend through the bearings 29|;- of the bearing members 283 carry a gear 303 keyed thereto which intermeshes with the gear 38| previously referredto.

The bearing members 283 are the discharge rolls 308, 309 and 3|| are `posi-- tioned in spaced relation with respect to each other upon thetransverse shaft 299 (see Fig. 13). All of the discharge rolls are madefrom soft resilient material such as sponge rubber or the like, and the rolls 301|, 306 and 301 are` positioned in closely` spaced aligned relationship with re-V spect to the rolls 308, 309 and 3| respectively. All of these discharge rolls are adjustably mounted upon the shafts 298 and 299, respectively, by means of set screws 308 so that the` spacing of the rolls on each shaft may be adjusted in any convenient manner.

If desired the discharge rolls 301 and 3|| may be mounted for free rotation onthe shafts 298 and 299, respectively. these rolls (see Fig. 2.1,) is xed to a bearing ring 3800, rotatably mounted upon abearing sleeve 300b secured to the shaft 298 or 299, respectively, by means of a setscrew 380e. The purpose of such arrangement will be set forth later on.

Keyed uponthe shaft |52 previouslyreferred.'

fixed to shafts 299 so thata corresponding ro-` tation of the shafts 299 and discharge rolls 308,

389 and 3|| in an opposite direction as indicated in Fig. 11 is effected.

It will therefore be seen from the above description thatthe transverse shafts 298, 299 are arranged in cooperating pairs, and their discharge rolls 304, 306, 301, and 388, 309, 3|| are` arranged in cooperating groups forming a plurality of cutting stations D, E, F, G, H and K (see Fig. 8).

Rotatably and slidably mounted within the bearings 293 of each bearing member 282 is a lsleeve shaft 32|` and rotatably and `slidably mounted withineach sleeve shaft 32| is` a knife` supporting shaft 322. Each sleeve shaft is provided with a handle 323 secured to one end thereof, while the other free end of each sleeve shaft 32| (see Figs. v19 and 20) carries a knife 324 which extends upwardly into the space between the discharge rolls `384, 308 and 306, 389 for purposes to be described later on.

The free ends of the knife shafts 322 extend- `ing exterior of the frame structure of lthe ma-` chine are provided with an actuating handle ,326`

(see Fig. 19) while the other ends ofthe knife shafts 322 are rotatably and slidably supported within thebearings 291 of the bearing members 283 previouslyreferred to. Each knife shaft 322 is providedwtha cutting knife 321 extending upwardlyinto the space between `the discharge rolls 306, 309 and 301, 3|| (see Figs. 13 andl9).

Secured to one `.of the horizontal frame` members 21 adjacent the lower chain guide member |9|and extending from the frame structure of the machine into the path of movement of each of the` actuating arms` 323 and 326 are notched bars 328 which are adapted to limit themovement of the arms 323 and 326v in one direction and to maintain the sleeve shafts 32|, knives 324 and knifeshafts' 322, as well as the knives` In such lcase each of 321 in predetermined positions of transverse adjustment. Abutment bars 329 positioned Within the 'path of each of the arms 323 and 3,26 are further-provided to limit the' movement `of these arms in an opposite direction and to maintain the sleeve shafts 32|, knives 324 and knife shafts 322, as Well as knives 321, in inoperative position. The abutment bars 329 are secured to one of the frame members 21 adjacent the chain guide |9| in ya manner similar to the notched bars 328v previously referred to.

The knives 324 and 321, a detail of which is shown in Fig. 19, comprise a straight portion 33| and an inclined blade portion 332 `provided with a sharp cutting edge 333. When the actuating handles` 3-23 and 326 are swung into engagement with the abutment bars 329 the knives are swung toward the transverse `shafts 299 into inoperative position, while upon movement of the actuating handles 323 and 326 i-n an opposite direction intoengagement withy the notches of the notched bars 328 the knives are placed inv 'operati-ve or cutting position, in-Which the blade portions 332 thereof extend in transversely' in- 33|- thereof are ofvdifferent lengthA so that the blade portions 33"2 of adjacent cutting knives are positioned in staggered relation to` act successivelycn each stalk passing downwardlyl be# tween-the rolls of the-cutting station. Consequently; when the spears of asparagus are dis charged between cooperating discharge rolls and forced past thecutting knives 324 andY 321 to eiect cutting thereof, any4A jamming of" the'por'- tions ofthe spearsbetweenthe- 'cutting knives' 324; and 321,v Which-'Would' interfere with the free discharge of' such portions, is 4eliminated dueto theirsuccessive'- cutting act-iorr- As stated in the above, the knives 324 and 3212 ofeach cutting" station are spaced' with respect toeachother and their spacing and position with respeot'tothe discharge rolls' maybe regulated inl any desired` manner by shiftingv the' sleeve shaft 32| and knife shaft' 322 in transverse directions relative to` each other,` as Willl be 'obvious to thoseskilled in the art. gaging-the4 actuating' arms 32'3"- and' 326 with'k the notches of` the notched bars'` 328 the cutting knives are maintained in"- any desired relation'-` ship with respect to eachother and' th'e dis'- charge` rolls and are locked" in such position.

Positioned intermediate'the t'able |21 and the bearing' member 232' of' the sizing and cutting station DI byV means of' bolts 3`l3isr a bracket 34'4 to'which a knife bracket 34'6'is pivotally mounted at 341 (see'Fig. 16) In a similar manner'knife' brackets 348i,` 349; 35|, 352, 353` and' 354 arel pivotally mounte'd'to the4 various bearing members 282' by'rneans'of pivot pins I35,6.- .(se'e Figs. 11'` and 16)'.f The knife Abrackets 346, 3482` 349,' 35|", 352', 353'; 354. are provi'dedWitli vsizing knives 351; '358, 353; 33102 361,' 3622 ,363 respectively, Whichgare removably'secured "by means -of'fscrevvsl 364'; to` their cooperating brackets" in a manner as'vshownt in. Fig. 161 All" o'f the' s'izingknives are positioniedf'in. closely' spaced,"y relation With respect tothe iattop chain' I62and'extend predeterminedJ distances above the t'opj.` surface off t'hesarne- (see Fig. 12); The sizing knives" 351 te 136.3 :inclusiveare 's'lgntlyspaced with .respect tofeach. otherasfshownfat V363m I6, and

the bearing members 1232 are-each rufovidecll.l

with a-.1ug-366Withinwhich a set screw V3|51is th-readcdly mounted,..whi1'e the" 'bracket 344 is provided with a lug. 366e. Within` which a-"s'et screw-36111; .is ltlne'adedly received. ,'The set screws 361m and 3Sf1'are'adapte`dto engage' the knife brackets `346v andf34'8, 349,y 351;, 3521, v333, 351|,respectivelyl 'so "as to permit pivotal move'- m'ent and adjustment. of thesame and ttiesizing knives 'carried' tht-:remiI relative to the `flat. top" anadur-62. Lock nuts 368 and: 368a aireprovided tor/maintaining fthe fset 'screws '361 and? 36M,

' respectivelmlin their adjustedpositions. i,

Threadedly secured to the knife brackets' of the sizingy knives abovey referred to li's fa'. lock screw 369? which. :eXt'e-n'ds through arcuate lslots 3'1-"l and 3112 Within :the bearing Imerribers 2&'2'1

andl chain guide-19t. In atv-similar manner (see l Fig, .221) ya screw 3`b3tiisvthreadie'dly securedto the' `knire bracket 34o and. extends through `ar: cuateislotsi v31/'4ancl '3175i ofthe? bracket 344 andchain `guide wily.' yIii 'it' `isi desired to? adjust the sizing knives' of the machineythef Io'ck screws" 369* and 3113A are 'loosened andi lthe se't screws 331 and 36-1'a' are manipulated: tof effect: the desired positioning .of ther sizing knives, andi after' the adjustment thereof r-is completed the.` sizing' kliives are .locked their: aidusted position-by tightenin'gthe lockscrevvs 369".i and 4313 (fs'ee Fig. .TD1y

The sizing. `knives.35r'|` to 363incl`usive3-are position'edin longitudinal. tlig'rurintA respect toiE each other so when theA spears 'o'f as p'aragus held betweenthev nat' top cham |62 'and the: spike vchain 258 'are advanced overl sai-dknives. they are cut thereby adjacent their'butt ends .in sucha manner thatv each succeeding sizing` knife enters initol the cut form'edwithin each spear by the preceding sizing knife, asclearly illustrated in 10. The 'individual spears of asparagus advanced'i alongthefsiaing knives will' becompletely severed f-rorrfI their' butt ends by. one or the other of thesey knives,` de'- pending upon the position. of t'he'- same- With re'-y spect to the' fiat top chain |62`an'd` the thickness of the individual spears.

, 'I-ov accomplish theA cutting" of" the asparagus? so as to effect. a sizing4 o'f theindividual#spears-into igrades of diiferentthickness; eachV knife isI pro-` vided with acutting edge which comprises straight knife portions 3116,. 31f1f and 'an' inclined knife portion 318v intermediate thefsame. The! knifel 351 is of a somewhat different confilgurat'ioz'ry insofar as it comprises only aig'radually inclined cutting-'edge 319.v i .4

Depending upon the-position of the'knife'p'or tions 3-1-1 and' 318'0fthesizingblades 358103632. inclusive, with'respect tothel flattopchainA |62,. each spear ofv asparagus`-wi1l bef completely: cut by. oneor theother/of the sizing; blades tli'elrv tion of Whichvwithrespect t-otheat top chain |62 corresponds to the'thickness ofv the-particular? spear.` Ina similar manner, `the highest pointA h 38]l 0f thefblade 351 will determine thethickness of thespearscut by' this knife: -The `knife 351 isprefrerably s et in suchposiitionl l that the thin'spears ofasparagus, usua1lyY cailedi so adjustedthat their inclined portions 38| and 318 which perform the nal cutting of the spears project gradually greater distances above the atltop chain |62;A Therefore `the thinnest `as" paragus is cut through lby the cull knife 351 and the thickest asparagus is cut by the last sizing knife v363,` while the stalks of intermediate `sizes arecutthrough by one of the intermediate `knives 358,359, 369,136I or 362 depending upon the size The'highest point of the inclined cutting edges 318 of the sizing knives 358 to 363, inclusive, is, positioned substantiallyabove. the center of each` of the -cutting stationsiD,.E, F, G, I-I and K, so

that the individual spears of asparagus ofvari` oustthickness` will` be cut from their Ibutt ends at certain predetermined points in their travel and: dropupon the discharge rolls of oneof the cutting stations D, E, F, G, H and K positioned therebeneath. i

.Dueto the fact that uienwelrf `ends if` the` asparagus spears have been aligned with respect toeach other and `accurately positioned relative to the flat top chain |62,` the sizing knive's` will cut the asparagus into spears of equal length while the butt `ends-of the asparagus impaled upo'nthe spikes 259 and 26| of the spike chain charge chute 394 from which they are discharged from the machine. 1

'It `has.beenmentioned hereinbefore that the asparagus spears cut by the various sizing blades are dropped upon. the discharge `rolls of the cut- 4d of the turn chutes 49| extend into proximity with ting stationsiD,E,F, G, I-I and K, and to preventY l a-.longitudinal movement of the vcut spears with respect to the discharge rolls of thevarious cutting stations, a tip` guide 396 which extends p arallel t0 theframe member 28| is provided which isseCured tothe framev member28lyby means of screws 391 and sleeves 398 (see Figs. 8 and 12).

f f 'I'hespears dropped `upon the oppositely` rotating discharge rolls of the various cutting stations` are gripped thereby and discharged in a downwardfdirection between the same so that they arefadvanced thereby past 'thecutting knives 324 and321 previouslydescribed. The dischargerolls are madefrom asoft resilient material, preferaably sponge rubber, sok thatthey may flex suizciently to receive` the spears `therebetween and to permit the downward discharge thereof while at the same time the spears are firmly held against displacement between the discharge rolls while they `are forced past the cutting knives. It

should, however, be noted thatthe discharge rolls` are exible enough to, prevent any` crushing of the vvasparagus spears advanced therebetween so thatany likelihood of damaging the asparagus is prevented.` .l

While the spears are dischargedin a downward respect to the sizing knives and `may be varied in accordance with the requirements of practice in a manner as previously stated herein. yI f it is not desired to cut the spears of :asparlagus within any one of the cutting stations D, E,

p F,.G, H and K the cutting knives 324 and 321 are swung into inoperative position so that the same willnot extend into the path of the asparagus discharged lbetweenV the discharge rolls. `lf Vdesired, only one of the blades 324 or 321 may be placed into operative position and in thismanner any clesired number and lengths of cut of `the asparagus may ibe obtained, as will beapparent to thoseskilled in the art. i

The tip ends of the 4asparagus (see Figs. 12 and 15) are dropped into turn chutes 49| positioned below each cutting station. Each of these turn chutes consistsof spaced chutemembers 492 and 493 provide vwith inclined faces 494 and 496 respectively (see Fig. 15). The turn chutes 49| are secured to the side portions 491 and 498 of conveyor guides 40,1a by means of brackets 499 and` 4| Theconveyor belt guides 401a are attached to the frame members `29 (see Fig. l2)

and extendtransversely of the frame` structure `4 of the machine. .i

`Fixed upon a shaft 4 2 rotatably mounted within bearings 4|3 supportedby the legs 22, 23, 24 and transverse members 33 of the frame structure4 of the machine are a plurality ofxpulleys 4|4 provided with endless conveyor belts 4|6 extending transversely ,.from the machine.

by idler pulleys, not shown.` The upper runs of the transverse conveyor belts 4|6 are positioned within thebelt guides 491a (seeFigs. `2, 14 and 15) and` pass beneath the turn chutes 49| previously described. r i i The lower ends of the turn chute members 493 ther conveyor belts 4|6 while the lower` ends 4|1 of the chute member 492 are sufciently spaced from the conveyor belts 4 6 to permit the passage of the asparagus therebetween.

The rear end of the shaft 4|2 is provided with la` bevel` gear 42| which is keyed thereto` for rotation therewith and intermeshes with abevel gear 422 xed to a transverse shaft` 423 rotatably mounted within bearings 424 mounted on the rear legs `24 of the `frame structure `4 rof the ma- Wheel421 keyedupon shaft` |52 is an endless sprocket chain 428, so that upon rotation of the shaft |52, shaft 4|2 and pulleys 4|4 are :rotated in the direction as indicated in Fig. 14 to thereby cause travel of the conveyor belts 4|6 in the direction as indicated by arrows 429 in Figs. 8, 13, 14 and 15.

vFrom the above` it` will therefore be apparent that when the tips of the asparagus `designated 43| in Fig. 15are discharged from the discharge rolls of the cutting stations of the machine `the same are engaged by the spaced inclined surfaces 494 and 496 of the turn chutes4|l| (see Fig. 15) and are turned 90 degrees and placed upon the conveyor belts `4|| in substantially transverse position with respect to the vdirection of travel of The belts 4 6 advance the tips of the asparagus, positioned parallel with respect to each other upon the conveyor belts 4|6 by the action of the turn chutes 49|, vfrom below the turnuchutes 49| to a point exterior` of the machine where they may becollectedin any convenient manner and placed` Thefront ends of the conveyor belts 4 6 are supported` into cans for further treatmentthereo'f.

proper position so that theirplacingdn'to the cans.

is greatly expedited.

Positioned adjacent the turn chutes 40| .and extending transversely with respect :to .the frame structure of the machine are shafts 44|, 442,443,

44'4 rotatably mountedv withiny bearings 446, 441,

448 and 449, respectively. These 'bearings are 'se.

cured to 'one of the longitudinal .framemembers 28 by means of bolts 45| (see Figs. .2land 12). Keyed upon the shafts 44| to 444 inclusive are pulleys452, 453, 454, 456, respectively, while a gear 451 xed upon the'shaft 442 is arranged in intermeshing relation with respect'to a gear 458 xedupon shaft 443. Trained around the pulleys 452 and '45.3 is an endless conveyor belt '46| and in a similar manner'an endless conveyor belt 462 istrained around the pulleys 454 and'456.

Keyed to the shaft 444 is a sprocket gear 463 and trained around the same and a'sprocket wheel 464 `fixed upon shaft |52 Ais an endless sprocket chain 466 so that upon rotation of the shaft |52 in 'aimanner as previously describedl herein shaft 444 andpulley 456 are rotated in the direction as indicated in'Fig. 2, causing a travel of the conveyor belt 462 in the direction of arrow 466a (see Figs. 2 and 11) and rotation of 2 shaft 443 and gear V458 in the direction of arrow 461.

The rotation of gear 458 in the direction .above referred to causes rotation of gear 451and shaft 442 in an opposite direction, thereby effecting travel of the conveyor belt 46| in the direction` as indicated by an arrow 468 in Figs. 2 and 11. Positioned between the conveyor belts 46| `and 462 'and the cutting sections are a plurality of de` flecting chutes 41| and 412. (See Figs. .1'1 and 12.) i IOne 4chute I41| and 412 is provided for each cutting section D, E, F, G, H, and K (see Fig. 11). f

The deflector chutes l41| and mounted between transverse frame members 413, 414 and '416 by means of rods` 411 `a`nd418 (see Figs. 11 and 12).. The defiectingchutes 41| are each provided with an actuating arm 41.9 which extends through a slot 48| in each of the deflecting chutes 412. Each actuating `arm is pivotally .secured to its respective deiiecting 'chute 41| at 400-and is providedwith aplurality of notches 482 adapted to be engagediwith a lock".plate 483 mountedbetween the legs 2|, 23'and 24 at one' sideof the'machine (see Figs. 2 and 12);l

In a similar manner each of the deflecting chutes 412 is provided with anactuating arm1484 pivotally secured thereto at 486. The .actuating arms `484-are provided with a plurality of notches 481 (see'fFig. 12)' engageable with the lock plate 483 for locking the chutes-412 in adjustedpositions.

Upondisengagement of the actuating arms419.

and 484 with the lock lplatei, .the actuating arms lmay be shifted in transverse directions with respect vto the frame structure of the machine for adjusting the .deflecting chutes `41| and-412 in' desired positions with respect to the cutting stationsof the machine to collectthecut portions of theasparagus discharged..therefrom-and direct ther'same upon the conveyor belts46`| and 462. Due to the position of these deector chutes parallelto the conveyor vbelts 46| and 462 and their `closespacing withirespect` to the same, the

yIn view` of the fact that'thetips are all arrangedinproper cut asparagus portions discharged .upon the conl veyorbelts are maintained iniseparatevrows upon the same. The deflecting chutes y47H Vandll't are provided'with cutout .portions 41i|a and 41'2a respectively to prevent 'interference .thereof f withY the sleeve shaft 32| and shaft'322. v i .i 4It will therefore be seen that thecenterfcu and soup stock `of lthe i asparagus :collected :from the v cutting stations by 'the .defiectingxchutes 41| and 412 and deposited thereby inseparate rows upon the `conveyor belts 46| 1and v'llliare .advanced toward Adischarge n chutes 4.80,' 409 and 49|,"492', respectively, mounted lwithin .the frame structure of thev machine `adjacentHthe conveyor belts l46| and 462 in any :convenient manner, so'that the soup stock :andccentericuts are separately discharged Vand :may :be .conveyed from the machine in any well-.known :manner forfurther processing of the same. While the center cuts and soup stockfdischarged from the cutting sections D, and yCniK are only f separated into Atwo sizes and discharged at the Vfront and rear ends of .thesizing-andcutting section of the'rnaehinait shouldbe noted that the asparagus tips whichare .sized into six individual .grades Iby the action vof the sizing blades are collected separately so-that six differ.- ent vgrades of asparagus tips aredischargedffrom the machine. vHowever, it willsberapparenttmt by appropriate adjustmentof the .sizing'lblades the number of grades of asparagus obtained .from the machine .may be reduced in any vdesired manner. I

It has been mentioned hereinbeifore .thataithe discharge rolls 301 and 3|l| '.may,iffdesired,rbe arranged for free rotation relative to shafts and 269. This arrangement assures that the spears 4remain Iin substantial horizontal .position during their discharge between the discharge rolls of each section/even though .theifrontendpffltfle spears adgiacent the.' ower I.end :thereof may :coni tact the discharge rolls :301 Aand 311| Vbefore. the remaining portion of the spears :Contact :the disy 'charge rolls 304, 306 and 3108, :30.9. Inlzother 412 are pivotally 45 'in the valley between cooperating-:sets .of 'discharge vrolls before the Idownward disch-angecf the spears between ther- 011s .is `effected .and .this assures that the spears .are .cut` fai-right 'angles with respect to ltheir slongitudinalfaxes.

If the rolls `307| :and 34| 4are lfreelyv1:etatable on shafts C2 98 and-299 Yas' above -statedzthe {downward-discharge of the .asparagus tipsafter cutting thereof lfromthe remaininglportionsofthe spears is effected "by the `dimm-ward pressure 1111011 vthe same by the succeeding .asparagus `tips before complete cutting thereof.`

Operation `{In-the lfollowingfa brief rsum of the .complete operation 4fof'fthei entireismachine -Wi1libefgiven. v

Upon yoperation-of lthe motors 1-3andL204 the Various 1mechanisn'isio'f the yfeedftable .'A, 'rignspec-` tion table 'fB, and-.thesizing anda'ciitting section C are actuated in a manner as specicallyiescribed herein'before. l

The asparagus-to be :treatedfis placed upon the mon direction and their displacement action, as previously described, the spears of asparagus are advanced over the feed table A toward the inspection table B. During their advancement over the feed table A the spears are separated from each other by the action of t'he feed rolls 39 and positoned in parallel relationship with respect thereto. .Incident tothe feeding of the asparagusA toward the inspection table B the individual spears thereof are shifted longitudinally with respect `to thefeed rolls` 39 by the action of the gauge bar 86, so that a rough or preliminary alignment of the ower ends of the asparagus toward the sizing and outtingmechanism C of the machine.

During the travel of the individual spearsV along the inspection table Bthe gauge belt 236 `effects a final alignment of the lspears with respect to each other and the flat top chain |62 due to its angular position `with respect to the conveyor belt |61. After this final alignment of the spears, they enter into the throat 213 formed` between the fiat top chain `|62 and the spike chain #258 and the butt ends of the spears are impaled upon the spikes 259 and 26| and advanced by the flat top chain |62 and spike chain 258 past the sizing and cutting mechanismC of the machine, The butt ends of the spears are usually tough and not suitable for canning purposes; however, their toughness assists in rigidly holding the spears in aligned position between the flat top chain |62 and spike chain 258. u

During the travel of the spears through the sizing and cutting section C the same `are rst presented to the cull blade351 and subsequently to the sizing blades 358 to 363, whereby the spears are cut from the butt ends at widely separated points, depending upon the thickness thereof.

The sizing action commences upon engagement of the spears of asparagus with thecull knife 3,51

which completely cuts through the thinnest spears` not desired for canning purposes. These so-called culls are thereupon discharged by the` cull chute 394 in a manner as previously stated herein.` The thicker spears of asparagus" continue their travel over the sizing knives to- Ward the rear end of the machine in such a manner that each preceding sizingknife enters into the cut formed by the preceding sizing knife; As stated in the above each of the sizing knives 358 to 363 is provided with straight sharp cutting edges 316 and 311 and an `inclined sharp cutting edge 318 disposed intermediate the same. The

sizing knives are so adjusted that the inclinedr cutting edges of the same gradually increase the depth of cut to a maximum at certain predetermined points in the travel of` the spears of as paragus, and these points are positioned substantially above the center of the lcutting sections l D, E, F, G, H, and K. Moreover,` each successive sizing knife is arranged at a slightly higher,eleva.` l

tion than the preceding one. e e e It is therefore apparent thatthe cutting of the individual spears of asparagus by the sizing knives 358 to 363 inclusive is completed atprede-` termined separated points depending upon the thickness of asparagus to be cut. i `Thefspears of.

the asparagus cut in this manner are therefore separated into grades of different thickness and drop upon the discharge rolls of the cutting stations D, E, F, G, H or K, respectively.

While the butt ends of the asparagus: impaled upon the spike chain 258 continue their travel toward the rear end of the machine where they are finally removed froni the spikes 259 and 26| byv means of the strike-off finger 39| and discharged by means of the chute 393 of the machine,` the sized portions of the asparagus are receivedin the valleys between the cooperating discharge` rolls of each of the cutting sections D, E, F, G, Hand K and gripped bythe rollsand discharged ldownwardly therebetween.

During the downward travel of the graded asparagus between the discharge rolls of the cut.-

ting sections of the machine the individual spears are presented to the ,action of the cutting knives 324 and 321, and are cut thereby into asparagus tips and center cuts, and are subsequently discharged from the discharge rolls. The cutting knives 324 and 321 may be so adjusted that one or two center` cuts and asparagus tips of any desired length are obtained. If desired the cutting knives 324 and 321 and deflecting chutes 21| and 212 may be swung into inoperative position and the spears may be discharged lafter sizing without further cutting of the same. l

The asparagus tips discharged from the discharge rolls-of the cutting stations D, E, F, G, H and K drop into the turn chutes `40| while the center cuts are directed upon the conveyor belts 46| and 462, respectively, and are maintained in separate rows upon these belts by the action of` `conveyor belts 4|6 in substantially transverse positions with respect to the same. The belts 4| 6 convey the various grades of asparagus tips from the machine so that the same may be separately collected and packed into cans `for further treat-r ment thereof.

In view of the fact that thesizing knives 351 to 363 inclusive, as well as the cutting knives 324, 321 and deflecting chutes41| and 412 are adjustable in any desired manner, as specically der` scribed in the above, any desired sizing and cutting of the asparagus may be obtained so that the machine is adaptable for universal use in the preparation of asparagus or the like, as will be `obvious to those skilled in the art.

All parts of the machine are easily accessible s0 that the same may be cleaned to maintain the machine in an absolutely sanitary condition.

While we have shown and described a preferred apparatus and a preferred method for carrying out our invention, it will be understood that both are capable of variation and modification, while still employing the `principles of` our invention.

It is to be understood, therefore, that the scope` of the invention should be limitedV only` by the scope and proper interpretation of the claims appended hereto. l

Having thus described `our invention, what we desire to 'protect by Letters veyor for supporting the butt ends of the asparaguswith the free endsthereof extending laterally from said conveyor a knifev having a/cutting edge inclined relativeto said conveyor and arranged adjacent thereto for cutting the spears transversely of their length with an increasing depth of cut as' they move along said path whereby the spears are severed according to their thickness at separated points in theirtravel along said path, and means at each separate point along said path forfreceiving the severed spears as they gravitate at said points.

2. A machine for grading asparagus comprising holding means for moving the spears of asparagus along a predetermined path with a uniform portion of the spears protruding beyond said holding means, means for feeding the spears in parallel and rspaced relationship to the holding means, a plurality of contiguous knives aligned with their cutting edges in` an inclined plane to gradually cut into each spear as it moves along said pathpfor severing the spears transversely of their length according to their thickness at separated points in their travel along said path, and a succession of separate receptacles' arranged beneath the protruding spears for receiving the cut spears from the holding means as they gravitate after severance as aforesaid.

3. A machine for grading asparagus comprising holding means for moving the spears of asparagus along a predetermined path, means for feeding the spears in parallel and spaced relationship to the yholding means with uniform lengths of spear extending therefrom, an inclined blade arranged parallel to said holdingmeans tolengage each` spear and cooperating Iwith the ho-lding means for cutting the spears transversely of their length according to their thickness at separated points as they lare advanced along 'said path, and

a plurality of receptacles for receiving the cut spears from the holding means according to their point of gravitation for separating the asparagus into groups as determined by their thickness. Y

4. lA machine for grading asparagus comprising holding means for moving the spears of asparagus along a predetermined path with uniform portions of said spears extending laterally therefrom, inclined blade means arranged adjacent the path of movement of said holding means and cooperating with the latter for cutting the spears transversely of their length'with any increasing depth of cut for severingthe spears of different thickness at separated points during their travel along said path, and means for separately collecting the severed spears at said points as they gravitate from said holding means. y

5. A machine forA grading asparagus comprising conveyor means for advancing the spears yof asparagus along al predetermined path, means for holding the butt end of said asparagus for, supporting the spears laterally, meansV for aligning the spears in side by side and parallel relationship with respect to each other and for feeding thev same in a single'il'e to the holding means, a stationary blade vgraduating in heightin kproportion to the position of advance of said conveyor and cooperating with the holding means for cutting the "spears transversely of their length with an increasing depth of cut to sever the spears of different thickness at separated points asl they advance along said path,' andl means fori 'sepa-I, rately collecting the severed spears at said points.

6. A machine for grading asparagus comprise ins means for impaling the butt ends of .the

spears of asparagus and for moving the same with of the spears of different thicknessfrom their butt ends'at separated points to thereby deposit the same atsuch points whereby the spears are.

separated into groups of predetermined thickness.

7. A machine for grading asparagus comprising, a conveyor, impaling means on said conveyor;

conveying means cooperating with said conveyor for feeding the spears of asparagus i thereto, means for operating said conveyor for impaling the butt ends of the spears presented thereto upon said impaling means and for movingthe spears,

with the free ends thereof protruding from the conveyor along a predetermined path, and an inclined blade xedly mounted adjacent said conveyor and parallelwith respect thereto for sever-` ing the free `ends of the spears of 'predetermined thickness from their butt ends at separated points in their travel along said path for separating the:

severed free ends of the spears from the remain-` ing spears. y

8. A machine for grading asparagus-comprising, a conveyor, impaling means on said conveyon conveying means cooperating with said conveyor fo;` feeding the spears of asparagus thereto, means for operating said vconveyor for impaling the butt ends of the spears presented `thereto upon said impaling means and for moving the spears with the free ends thereof protruding from e the conveyor along a predetermined path,l an in-A clined blade arranged along said predetermined path for severing the free ends of the spears of predetermined thickness from their butt ends at separated points in their travel along said path and for simultaneously separating the severed free ends of the spearsV from the remaining spears, means at each of said separated points for receiving the severed ends of said spears -and for dis-` charging them along a downward path, and a plufl rality of knives arranged between said receiving means and across the 'downward path and co,

operating with the receiving means for cutting the free ends of the spears into sections of pre determined length.

9. A machine forgrading asparagus comprising, a conveyor, impaling means on said conveyor, n

conveying means cooperating with said conveyor for feeding the spears of asparagus thereto, means for operating said conveyor for impaling the butt ends of the spears presented thereto upon said impaling means and for` moving the `spearswith the free ends thereof protruding from the conveyor along a predetermined path, means Vfor severing the free ends of the spears of predetermined thickness from their buttends atseparatedpoints in their travel along said path for separating the severed free ends of the spears from the remaining spears, cushion rollers for receiving the severed ends of said spears, meansy interspersed bey tween siadcushion rollers and cooperating, with the latter for cutting the. free endsl of the spearsl into portions of predetermined length, and lmeans for separately collecting the spears at said points.

- 10. A machine for grading asparagus comprising, a conveyor, impaling means on said conveyor,

portions of said ,conveying means cooperating With said conveyor mined thickness from their butt ends at separated points'in their travel along said path for separat-` ing the severed free ends of the spears from the remaining spears, means for receiving the severed ends of said spears, means cooperating with the receiving means for cutting the free ends of the spears into portions of predetermined length, means for separately collecting the portions of said spears at said points, and means for depositing said portions in substantially parallel relation with respect to each other upon said collecting means. i

11. A machine for grading asparaguscomprising, a conveyor, impaling means on said conveyor, conveying means cooperating with said conveyor for feeding the spears of asparagus thereto, means for operating said conveyor for impaling the butt ends of the spears presented thereto'upon said impaling` means and for moving the spears with the free ends thereof protruding from the conveyor along a predetermined path, means forseveringthe free ends of the spears of predetermined thickness from their butt ends at separated points in their travel along said path for separating the spears with respect to each other. v w l v12. A machine for` grading asparagus compris-` ing, a conveyor, impaling means on said conveyor;` conveying means cooperating with said conveyor` for feedingthe spears of asparagus thereto, means for operating said conveyor for impaling the butt ends of the spears presented thereto` upon said impaling means and for moving the spears with the free ends thereof protrudingfrom thecon-` veyor along a `predetermined path, means for severing the free ends of the spears of predetermined thickness from their butt ends at. separated points in their travel along said path for separatingthe severed free ends of the spears from the remain-` ing spears, a plurality of cooperating ,discharge rolls for receiving the severed ends of thespears .at said points, cutting meansa'ssociatedwith the discharge' rolls for cutting said ends ofthe spears into portions of predetermined length, a discharge conveyor below said cutting means, a turn chute interposed between the discharge rolls and dis-` charge conveyor, and means for operating said discharge rolls for advancing the free ends of the severed free ends of the spears past said cutsubstantially parallel relation With` respect to` each other.

13. The method of sizing asparagus comprising` advancingspears of asparagus alonga pre-. determinednon-vertical plane and in a direction substantially transversely to the axis of the spears, and cutting the spears in a direction away from said plane with a depth of cut increasing proportionateto the distance `of `travel of said spears, whereby spears of different thickness are completely severed atdifferent points 'of their travel.y l

14. The method of sizingasparagus comprising translating spears of asparagus along a predetermined non-vertical plane and ina direction substantially transversely to the axis of the spears, holding the spears with their butt ends against said plane with the remainder of` the spearsfree and unsupported during said. translation, and cutting the spears in a direction away from said plane withan increasing depth of cut proportionate to their distance of translation,V whereby spears of different diameters are severed and deposited at different points of their travel. 1 15. The method of` sizing asparagus comprising rtranslatingspears ofasparagus along a pre- `determined non-vertical` plane and in Ja direction substantially transversely to the axis of the spears, holding the spears with their butt ends against saidv planewith the remainder of the spears free andA unsupported during said translation, `cutting the spears in a direction away from said plan'e and substantially normal to the axis of the `spears withV an increasing depth of cut proportionate to their distance of translation, whereby the free ends of the spears of different diameters are severed from the butt ends thereof and deposited at differentpoints in the translation of saidspears, and separately collecting the free ends of the spears at said points. l

16. Themethod of sizinglasparaguscomprising advancingspears ofI asparagus along a predetermined non-vertical plane and4 in a direction substantiallytransversely to the axis of the spears, i holding the spears with their butt ends against i said plane with the blossom ends of the spears free and unsupported during said advancement, cutting the spears in a direction `.away from said` plane with an increasing depth `of cut proportionate to their distance ofv advancement whereby the blossom ends of the spears of different diameters are severed from the butt ends'thereof and deposited at diierent points of their travel, separately collecting the blossom ends of the spears at said points, and cutting the blossom ends col-- lected at each point into portions of predetermined length.V l l v u 1'7.` The method of sizing asparagus comprising supporting one endy of the spears of asparagus with one side of the 'spears lying in a common non-vertical plane, advancing the spears `side- Wise while` so supported in a predetermined path along said plane, and cutting the spears during their travel with an increasing depth of cut from said plane and substantially normal to the axis of the spears, whereby dependent upon their thickness the spears are completely severed at different pointsl oftheir travel 'and the unsupported ends of the severed spears are deposited at saidpoints. 18. The method of sizing asparagus comprising supporting one end of each spear of asparagus with one side thereof lying in a predetermined non-vertical plane, advancing the spears vwhile so supported sidewise lin a single file and in substantially parallel relation along said plane; and

cutting into thespears from said `plane and sub- 

